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Kapama Private Game Reserve has an abundance of Big Five game. These and many other fascinating African animals thrive in this stunning environment and sweetveld eco-system. From small beginnings to classic status, Kapama is testament to more than 20 years of continued growth and success."Kapama" is thought to have been the name of a local chief whose tribe lived in the Thulumahashe area. It was also the name of a local railway station near Moria farm in Hoedspruit, at the time. Moria farm was purchased by the late Johann Roode in 1986 and was the first of several properties which later formed Kapama Game Reserve. Buffalo camp is situated on this original section of the Roode legacy.

Johann set Bonsmara cattle to graze on the farm but soon realised he would need more land. Another property called Drakensig was purchased which is now the site for Kapama River Lodge. As time passed, it became clear that the environment was unsuitable for cattle farming due to the harsh conditions, predators and tics (parasites). The venture became uneconomical for the Roode family.

Johann turned to eco-tourism as a means of sustaining his large property. Kapama Lodge was constructed in 1989 and with more land acquisitions, the reserve rose to prominence in the lowveld. After the tragic passing of Johann from pneumonia in 2002, his wife, son and daughter took over the reins. The construction of luxury Camp Jabulani was completed in 2003.

Mrs Lente Roode and her daughter Adine managed and operated Camp Jabulani. They also diversified their portfolio to include the Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species. This centre is now world renowned. Bernard Roode, son of Mr and Mrs Roode, took up control of the other Kapama Lodges.Exquisite Kapama River Lodge was built in 2005 on the Kapama River, a truly magical setting. In 2007, the unique Sleepout Platform was constructed in a secluded location to capture the imagination of honeymooners and romantics. This is now a most popular feature of Kapama Private Game Reserve.

Property acquisitions alongside the Klaserie River, which is ideal Leopard territory, added a new dimension to the reserve. Kapama Karula Lodge joined the Kapama family in 2008. The fences were removed between the adjoining properties to further enhance the existing eco-system and shared environment.

The Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve has now become the biggest, single owned reserve in the lowveld safari region of South Africa, and a prime eco-tourism destination. The reserve stretches from the R40 in the west, to the Thornybush boundary in the east. Eastgate Airport forms the northern boundary, and the Klaserie River, the southern boundary.

Climate

Located at an altitude of 500 metres (1640 feet) above sea level, Kapama Private Game Reserve experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Summer: This season falls between October and March.Temperatures during the day can rise to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and drop to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Summer is also the heaviest rainfall period with about 550mm (19 inches) received annually.

Winter: The coldest months are May, June and July.Daytime temperatures may reach 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and drop to 8 degrees Celsius (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.